Welcome to the Takedown, the leading source for gridiron news and technology for over 80,000 coaches nationally — by Kerry Carter CEO of Atavus

What I’m excited about this week…

I am thrilled to announce that Atavus Football has forged a strategic partnership with Hudl, marking a significant milestone in our journey. As the CEO of Atavus Football, this collaboration with Hudl, an Official Preferred Partner, holds immense promise for revolutionizing football coaching and performance analysis.

Our shared vision with Hudl underscores a commitment to leveraging technology to elevate sports performance, enhance player safety, and drive player development. Through this partnership, we are introducing an exclusive Hudl Package meticulously crafted to provide football teams with unparalleled insights into performance analytics and video analysis tools.

This alliance with Hudl not only aligns with Atavus Football's mission of advancing football through data-driven insights but also reinforces our dedication to enhancing player safety and performance. As we embark on this journey as an Official Preferred Partner of Hudl, we are excited to leverage this relationship to redefine how football is played and coached.

Rachel Krasnow, Hudl’s Head of Strategic Partnerships, shares our enthusiasm for this collaboration saying, “together, we are committed to providing every athlete with the opportunity they deserve and helping them reach their full potential. We believe that Atavus's analytical and data-driven approach to standardizing and teaching tackling techniques will empower football coaches and athletes alike.”

This strategic partnership opens doors to cutting-edge analytics and video analysis, offering football teams unprecedented access to tools that will enhance their ability to analyze and improve tackling techniques and defensive strategies.

I am confident that this partnership will pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in football coaching and player development, and I look forward to witnessing the transformative impact it will have on the sport.

Change the Way You See the Game

Draft Day

by Terrence Wheatley

My NFL journey began long before I ever stepped foot onto a professional field. It started on the playgrounds of my childhood, where football was more than just a game—it was a passion that burned within me. Every catch, every tackle, every victory fueled my dream of one day becoming a professional football player.

That dream became a reality on a day I'll never forget—draft day, 2008. As the second round unfolded, anticipation hung heavy in the air. And then, like a bolt from the blue, my phone rang, and on the other end was none other than Coach Belichick. His words were brief, characteristic of the man himself: "If Dallas doesn’t take you, then we are." With those few words, my fate was sealed—I was bound for New England.

Seeing my name flash across the screen, emblazoned in Patriot blue, was a moment of pure elation. I was no longer just Terrence Wheatley; I was a New England Patriot.

Stepping onto the field as a Patriot, I quickly realized that I was in the presence of greatness. Coach Belichick was a master tactician, and every practice, every meeting was a masterclass in football strategy. But it wasn't just the Xs and Os that I learned from him—it was his unwavering commitment to excellence, his relentless pursuit of perfection that left an indelible mark on me.

One of my earliest lessons came during my rookie year, in the heat of training camp. Tasked with guarding the legendary Randy Moss, I found myself on the wrong end of a touchdown pass.

As I hung my head in defeat, Coach Belichick approached me, his words cutting through the disappointment like a knife. "Sometimes you just get Mossed," he said with a wry smile. It was a lesson in humility, in resilience, and it's one that has stayed with me ever since.

But my time in New England wasn't just about learning—it was also about growth. With each snap, each game, I honed my skills, sharpened my instincts, and emerged as a force to be reckoned with on the field. From interceptions to tackles, I left my mark on every game I played, earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike.

Off the field, my passion for the game and player safety led me to Atavus, where I found a new way to make an impact. At Atavus, we're dedicated to giving players and coaches the resources they need to excel on the defensive side of the ball. It's a mission I'm proud to be a part of, and one that allows me to continue my love affair with football long after my playing days are over.

Looking back on my career, I'm filled with gratitude—for the teammates who became brothers, for the coaches who became mentors, and for the fans who became family. From draft day to retirement, my journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I wouldn't trade a single moment of it for anything in the world.

I’m excited to engage with you all through our cutting-edge research and solutions at Atavus and want to remind you all to keep dreaming! Draft day comes quicker than we think.

Warm regards,

Terrence Wheatley

Atavus Veteran Advisor

What I learned from the 2024 NFL Draft:

Reflecting on the recent NFL draft, it's clear that the role of running backs in professional football is evolving rapidly.

Historically, running backs were the focal point of many offensive strategies, but the landscape has shifted dramatically. In this year's draft, not a single running back was selected in the first round, marking the second time in three years that this has occurred.

This trend signals a significant departure from the past, where running backs were often regarded as the cornerstone of an offense. With the rise of spread offenses and increased emphasis on passing, the traditional role of the running back has diminished. Instead, offenses are prioritizing speed and versatility, with many running backs now expected to excel as receivers as well.

As the game continues to evolve, it's essential for coaches to adapt their strategies accordingly. The days of the workhorse running back carrying the ball 20-30 times a game are fading, replaced by a committee approach that distributes carries more evenly among multiple players.

Furthermore, the financial landscape of the NFL has also contributed to this shift, with teams hesitant to invest top dollar in the running back position. With the salary cap continuing to rise, teams are reallocating resources to other positions, leaving running backs in a more precarious position financially.

In light of these developments, it's crucial for coaches to remain flexible and innovative in their approach to offense. Embracing new offensive schemes and maximizing the versatility of players can help teams stay ahead in an ever-changing game.

As we look to the future of football, it's clear that the role of the running back will continue to evolve. By staying informed and adapting to these changes, coaches can position their teams for success in the modern NFL.

Breaking down the NCAA’s new rules for coaching staffs and players

Coaches,

As we gear up for the 2024 football season, it's crucial to stay informed about the latest rule changes that could impact gameplay and strategy. The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel recently approved several optional technology rules that will come into effect this season. Here's what you need to know:

1. Coach-to-Player Communication: In games involving Football Bowl Subdivision teams, each school will have the option to use coach-to-player communications through the helmet to one player on the field. This player will be identified by a green dot on the back midline of their helmet. Communication will be turned off with 15 seconds remaining on the play clock or when the ball is snapped.

2. Tablet Use: All three divisions now have the option of using tablets to view in-game video only. This includes the broadcast feed and camera angles from the coach's sideline and end zone. Teams can have up to 18 active tablets for use in various areas, but they cannot be connected to other devices or include analytics or data access capability. All team personnel will be allowed to view the tablets during the game.

3. Wearable Technologies: While not yet implemented, non-FBS conferences interested in using wearable technologies are invited to submit experimental proposals to the Football Rules Committee by June 15. This presents an opportunity for conferences to explore innovative solutions to enhance player performance and safety.

Additionally, the panel approved several other rules changes, including:

• Adding an automatic timeout when two minutes remain in the second and fourth quarters to synchronize timing rules.

• Adopting timing rules where the game clock continues to run when a first down is gained in bounds, except during the last two minutes of either half.

• Allowing conferences the option of using a collaborative replay review system, formally added to the rules book.

• Penalizing horse-collar tackles within the tackle box as a 15-yard personal foul.

• Granting head coaches the ability to conduct interviews with broadcast partners after the first and third quarters.

While the panel did not support a proposed uniform rule, it's essential to stay vigilant for any administrative solutions that may arise.

THAT’S ALL FOR NOW.

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